T.A.C.’ Pin Fixation for Basal Ulnar Styloid Fractures Associated With Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract

Distal radius fractures often accompany ulnar styloid fractures. As basal ulnar styloid fractures sometimes result in symptomatic nonunion causing distal radioulnar joint instability, surgical intervention should be considered as a method of treatment. However, conventional methods of internal fixation for ulnar styloid involving tension band wiring and pinning often causes irritation of hardware, and required further surgery. We performed T.A.C.' pin fixation for basal ulnar styloid fractures associated with distal radius fractures in 24 patients. X-rays showed union at an average of 6.8 weeks postoperatively in all but 1 case, which resulted in asymptomatic fibrous nonunion. Irritation from the hardware was recognized in 3 cases, but soon disappeared after recutting or removal of the pin. At the final follow-up, no symptoms involving ulnar wrist pain or distal radioulnar instability were noted. T.A.C.' pin fixation for basal ulnar styloid is a useful method and rarely requires further surgery compared with conventional methods.